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Grad Parent Letter

To Grade 12 Students and Families re: 2020 Convocation

During these unprecedented times, our team has been working to develop a convocation that honours our graduating class while still adhering to the provincially mandated physical distancing measures. As we head into the final months of the school year, we would like to provide you with an update on these plans. Across the district, all secondary schools will adhere to the same process.

Convocation Process

Abbotsford Traditional Secondary will hold their convocation on Mon. June 22; 4:00pm-7:00 pm

Convocation will be held at the Abbotsford Arts Centre (2329 Crescent Way), attached to Abbotsford Senior Secondary

Students will be structured into groups of 30

Each group of students will arrive at the Abbotsford Arts Centre at a scheduled time

Students are to arrive in their cap and gown, following signage to enter the center

Staff will arrange the group accordingly, following appropriate physical distancing measures

Students will enter the venue in groups of 10 to cross the stage to receive their school leaving certificate and any awarded scholarships

As grads cross the stage, they will be photographed by a professional photographer with their official cap toss

Staff will direct students out of the venue and back to their vehicles

Throughout this process, there will be limited and controlled building access to ensure we are following all necessary health protocols as mandated by the provincial government. We recognize that convocation is a milestone event; however, families will be required to stay in their vehicles as students cross the stage. The entirety of the ceremony will be filmed and edited by a professional production company. We will distribute a final copy of the film to all grads and their families.

Caps & Gowns

Students will pick up their cap and gown from ATSS in early June; stay tuned for more information about this, as a distribution schedule will be communicated closer to the date. Prior to cap and gown pickup, all outstanding school fees should be settled. Please contact a school administrator if fees are a concern for your family. We do not want to add any further stress or anxiety and will collaborate to find a solution.

As students collect their cap and gowns they will also be provided with a copy of the district’s Daily Health Assessment form. To protect the ongoing health and safety of our students and staff, families will be required to complete the Health Assessment checklist on the day of convocation. Students must provide a signed copy of the form to gain access to the venue.

Moving Forward

We have also made the difficult decision to cancel Prom due to the ongoing need to follow physical distancing guidelines. Based on feedback from grad councils, we are confident that when it is safe to do so, alumni can independently organize a similar styled event.

I want to thank all of you for your perseverance and support through this difficult and unprecedented time. As many of you will know by now this is my last year as Principal here at ATSS. I suppose in a sense I will be graduating with you. I will speak more about this later. I would also like to say that we here at ATSS, are incredibly proud of you for the way you have responded in this difficult time. For your patience, your resiliency, you work effort and your maturity. Life can, at times, feel unpredictable and even uncertain. As young adults, and our leaders of tomorrow, look at the challenges we are facing and consider the big picture priorities - our health, the health of our families, our responsibility to each other, and the hope for a bright and promising future. These will be defining features of the 2020 graduates and the goals you set for the road that lies ahead.